Minority Voice
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T. Bruce Graham wrote a recent letter characterizing anti-war protesters as “devout naysayers.”
While he does not directly suggest abridging freedom of speech, he invites us to share his scorn of their amateurism, negativity and egotism.
However, Mr. Graham must endure the naysayers for the same reason that they must endure him: Democracy demands it. In a democracy, political authority ultimately resides not in the government, not in the President, not in the military, but in the people.
Further, a minority of the people must have the opportunity to peacefully win over the majority. The abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage and desegregation are examples of initially unpopular causes.
It is through listening to one another in a spirit of goodwill that our democracy will thrive.
JON and MARCY POPIEL
Camarillo
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